Beta-agonists, methods for the preparation thereof and their use as pharmaceutical compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to new beta-agonists of general formula (I)  
                 
 
wherein the groups R 1  to R 7  have the meanings given in the claims and specification, the tautomers, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures thereof, the prodrugs thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, processes for preparing these compounds and their use as pharmaceutical compositions.

The present invention relates to new beta-agonists of general formula (I)

wherein the groups R¹ to R⁷ have the meanings given below in the specification, the tautomers, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures thereof, the prodrugs thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, processes for preparing these compounds and their use as pharmaceutical compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The treatment of type II diabetes and obesity is based primarily on reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. These methods are rarely successful in the longer term.

It is known that beta-3 receptor agonists have a significant effect on lipolysis, thermogenesis and the serum glucose level in animal models of type II diabetes (Arch J R. beta(3)-Adrenoceptor agonists: potential, pitfalls and progress, Eur J. Pharmacol. 2002 Apr. 12; 440(2-3):99-107).

Compounds which are structurally similar to the compounds according to the invention and their broncholytic, spasmolytic and antiallergic activities were disclosed in DE 2833140, for example.

The aim of the present invention is to provide selective beta-3 agonists which can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of obesity and type II diabetes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly it has been found that compounds of general formula (I) wherein the groups R¹ to R⁷ are defined as hereinafter are effective as selective beta-3 agonists. Thus, the compounds according to the invention may be used to treat diseases connected with the stimulation of beta-3-receptors.

The present invention therefore relates to compounds of general formula (I)

wherein

-   R¹ denotes an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, -   R² denotes an optionally substituted heteroaryl or heterocyclyl     group, while R² contains at least one nitrogen atom, -   R³ and R⁴ independently of one another denote a hydrogen atom or an     optionally substituted group selected from the group comprising     C₁-C₅-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl or -   R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 7-membered alkylene bridge, -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another denote a hydrogen atom or     a group selected from the group comprising optionally substituted     C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, C₆-C₁₀-aryl, heterocyclyl,     C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, —NR⁸—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸-aryl, halogen, cyano,     —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸CO-aryl, —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl),     —NR⁸SO₂-aryl, —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ and —OR⁸, while the     abovementioned alkyl groups may be substituted in each case, and -   R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group,     optionally in the form of the tautomers, racemates, enantiomers,     diastereomers, solvates and hydrates thereof and the mixtures     thereof, as well as optionally the prodrugs, double prodrugs and     salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts     thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases.

Preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R² to R⁷ are as hereinbefore defined and -   R¹ denotes an optionally substituted phenyl group.

Another preferred sub-group relates to the compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ and R³ to R⁷ are as hereinbefore defined, -   R² denotes a group selected from among the optionally substituted     groups of formulae:     -   while the above-mentioned groups may be substituted in each case         by one or more groups R¹⁰ and     -   R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl,         —N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl,         —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-alkyl,         —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl,         —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl,         —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CON H-alkyl, —CONH-aryl,         —CON(-alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl,         —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-alkyl,         —O-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl,         —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂, —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl,         —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl,         1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or         heteroaryl,     -   and wherein X denotes an oxygen atom or a —NR⁹— group and     -   Y denotes an oxygen or sulphur atom,         and R⁹ denotes a hydrogen atom or a group selected from the         group comprising C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl,         aryl or heteroaryl, while the groups mentioned for R⁹         hereinbefore may each case be substituted by one of the groups         given for R¹⁰.

Particularly preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ and R² as well as R⁵ to R⁷ are as hereinbefore defined, and -   R³ and R⁴ independently of one another denote a hydrogen atom or a     methyl or ethyl group or -   R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 5-membered alkylene bridge.

Particularly preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ to R⁴ are as hereinbefore defined, and -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, halogen, CN,     —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸,     —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ or —OR⁸ and -   R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group.

Also preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a halogen atom     or a cyano or nitro group, -   R² denotes a group selected from among the optionally substituted     groups of formulae:     -   while the above-mentioned groups may each be substituted by one         or more groups R¹⁰ and     -   R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl,         —N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl,         —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)CO-alkyl,         —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl,         —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl,         —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CON H-aryl,         —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂N H-alkyl,         —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-aryl,         —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl),         —COOH, —CONNH₂, —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl,         1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or         heteroaryl,     -   and wherein X denotes an oxygen atom or a —NR⁹— group and     -   Y denotes an oxygen or sulphur atom, -   R³ and R⁴ independently of one another each denote a methyl or ethyl     group or -   R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge, -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another each denote a hydrogen,     fluorine or chlorine atom or a cyano, methoxy,     methanesulphonylamino, methanesulphonyl, difluoromethoxy,     trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group and -   R⁹ denotes a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted aryl or     optionally substituted heteroaryl group.

Particularly preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine,     chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a cyano or nitro group, -   R² denotes a group selected from among the groups of formulae     (i)-(vi):     -   where R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally         substituted by a fluorine atom or by an amino, nitro, hydroxy or         methoxy group and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (vi) may         each be substituted by one or two groups R¹⁰ and     -   R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl,         —N(alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl,         —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-alkyl,         —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl,         —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl,         —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl,         —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl,         —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-aryl, —S-alkyl,         —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂,         —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl,         2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl,         1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or         heteroaryl, -   R³ and R⁴ independently of one another denote a methyl or ethyl     group or -   R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge and -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another denote a hydrogen,     fluorine or chlorine atom or a cyano, methoxy,     methanesulphonylamino, methanesulphonyl, difluoromethoxy,     trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group.

Particularly preferred are compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine,     chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a cyano or nitro group, -   R² denotes a group selected from among the groups of formulae     (i)-(vi):     -   where R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally         substituted by a fluorine atom or by an amino, nitro, hydroxy or         methoxy group,     -   and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (vi) may each be         substituted by one or two groups R¹⁰ and     -   R¹⁰ denotes OH, —NO₂, —CN, —NH₂, —I, —N(CH₃)₂, —NHCO₂CH₃,         —NHSO₂CH₃, C₁-C₃-alkyl, —SO₂N(CH₃)₂, —CO₂H, benzyloxycarbonyl,         ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, —CONHOH, tetrazol-5-yl,         pyridinyl, methoxy-pyridinyl, phenyl optionally substituted by         hydroxy, fluorine, methoxy, amino, nitro, dimethylamino,         methylcarbonylamino, methylsulphonylamino,         dimethylamino-sulphonylamino, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl,         benzyloxy-carbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or tetrazol-5-yl, or         thiophenyl, 5-methylthiophen-2-yl, 3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl or         1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl, -   R³ and R⁴ in each case denote a methyl or ethyl group or -   R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge and -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ in each case denote a hydrogen atom.

Particular emphasis should be placed on compounds of general formula (I), wherein

-   R¹ denotes a phenyl group, -   R² denotes a group selected from among the groups of formulae     (i)-(iii) or (v):     -   while R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally         substituted by a fluorine atom or an amino, nitro, hydroxy or         methoxy group,     -   and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (iii) and (v) may each be         substituted by a group R¹⁰ and     -   R¹⁰ denotes an iodine atom or a nitro, amino, methyl, carboxy,         methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, pyridin-4-yl, pyridin-2-yl,         6-methoxypyridin-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl,         3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl, 1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl or a         phenyl group, while the phenyl group may be substituted,         preferably in the 4 position, by a fluorine atom or by a         hydroxy, methoxy, nitro, amino, dimethylamino,         methylcarbonylamino, methylsulphonylamino,         dimethylamino-sulphonylamino, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl,         benzyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or tetrazol-5-yl group, -   R³ and R⁴ in each case denote a methyl group and -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ in each case denote a hydrogen atom,     but especially those compounds of general formula (I), wherein -   R¹ denotes a phenyl group, -   R² denotes a group of formulae (Ia) or (v):     -   while the above-mentioned group (i) may be substituted in the         phenyl moiety by a fluorine atom or by a hydroxy, methoxy,         nitro, amino, dimethylamino, methylcarbonylamino,         methylsulphonylamino, dimethylamino-sulphonylamino, carboxy,         ethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or         tetrazol-5-yl group and     -   the above-mentioned group (v) may be substituted in the benzyl         moiety by a nitro, amino, carboxy or C₁₋₂-alkyloxy-carbonyl         group, -   R³ and R⁴ each denote a methyl group and -   R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ each denote a hydrogen atom.

The following compounds are particularly preferred:

-   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-phenyl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-phthalazin-2-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxyethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethylpropylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethylpropylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methanesulphonylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   methyl     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-N,N-dimethyl-sulphamoylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-pyridin-2-yl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic     acid -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-4-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxyethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   benzyl     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate -   4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methylbutyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoic     acid -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethylpropylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[4-(-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-acetamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(5-nitro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-thiophen-2-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   ethyl     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[3-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   N-(3-{2-[3-(5-amino-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic     acid -   ethyl     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylate -   N-{3-[2-(1,1-dimethyl-3-{4-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-imidazol-1-yl}-propylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl]-phenyl}-benzenesulphonamide -   4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxy-benzamide

The invention also relates to compounds of general formula (I) for use as pharmaceutical compositions.

The invention also relates to compounds of general formula (I) for use as pharmaceutical compositions with a selective beta-3-agonistic activity.

The invention also relates to compounds of general formula (I) for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases connected with the stimulation of beta-3-receptors.

The invention further relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases connected with the stimulation of beta-3-receptors, in which a patient is given an effective amount of a compound of general formula I.

The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing as active substance one or more compounds of general formula (I), optionally combined with conventional excipients and/or carriers.

The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing as active substance one or more compounds of general formula (I) or the physiologically acceptable salts thereof and one or more active substances selected from among antidiabetics, inhibitors of protein tyrosinephosphatase 1, substances which influence deregulated glucose production in the liver, lipid lowering agents, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, HDL-raising compounds, active substances for the treatment of obesity and modulators or stimulators of the adrenergic system via alpha 1 and alpha 2 as well as beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 receptors.

The invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of general formula (I),

wherein

-   R¹ to R⁷ may have the meanings given hereinbefore,     where a compound of general formula (II)     wherein -   R³ and R⁴ may have the meanings given hereinbefore,     is converted by means of a chlorinating agent into a compound of     formula (III)     the compound of formula (III), optionally provided with an amino     protective group, is reacted with an optionally substituted compound     selected from among the following formulae (IV), which may be mono-     or polysubstituted by R¹⁰,     wherein X, Y, Z, R⁹ and R¹⁰ may have the meanings given     hereinbefore, and the product of formula (V)     wherein R², R³ and R⁴ may have the meanings given hereinbefore, is     reacted with a compound of formula (VIa) or (VIb)     where R¹, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ may have the meanings given hereinbefore,     while preferably R⁸ denotes hydrogen or optionally substituted     C₁-C₁₀-alkyl and preferably R⁹ denotes hydrogen or a group selected     from among optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl,     heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl.

The term alkyl groups, including alkyl groups which are a part of other groups, denotes branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, while groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred. Particularly preferred are alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, particularly those with 1 or 2 carbon atoms. Examples include: methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl. Unless otherwise stated, the above-mentioned terms propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl include all the possible isomeric forms. For example, the term propyl includes the two isomeric groups n-propyl and iso-propyl, the term butyl includes n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec. butyl and tert.-butyl, the term pentyl includes iso-pentyl, neopentyl, etc.

In the above-mentioned alkyl groups one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example, these alkyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Preferably the substituents are fluorine or chlorine. The substituent chlorine is most preferred. All the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally also be replaced.

Similarly, in the above-mentioned alkyl groups, unless otherwise stated, one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced, for example, by OH, NO₂, CN or an optionally substituted group selected from among —O—C₁-C₅-alkyl, preferably methoxy or ethoxy, —O—(C₆-C₁₄-aryl), preferably phenyloxy, —O-heteroaryl, preferably —O-thienyl, —O-thiazolyl, —O-imidazolyl, —O-pyridyl, —O-pyrimidyl or —O-pyrazinyl, saturated or unsaturated —O-heterocycloalkyl, preferably —O-pyrazolyl, —O-pyrrolidinyl, —O-piperidinyl, —O-piperazinyl or —O-tetrahydro-oxazinyl, C₆-C₁₄-aryl, preferably phenyl, heteroaryl, preferably thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl or pyrazinyl, saturated or unsaturated heterocycloalkyl, preferably pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydro-oxazinyl, an amine group, preferably methylamine, benzylamine, phenylamine or heteroarylamine, saturated or unsaturated bicyclic ring systems, preferably benzimidazolyl and C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl or cyclopropyl.

Alkenyl groups as well as alkenyl groups which are a part of other groups denote branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6, particularly preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Examples include: ethenyl, propenyl, methylpropenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, methylheptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl and decenyl. Unless stated otherwise, the terms propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl and decenyl used above include all the possible isomeric forms. For example, the term butenyl includes the isomeric groups but-1-enyl, but-2-enyl and but-3-enyl, etc.

In the above-mentioned alkenyl groups one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example, these alkenyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The substituents fluorine or chlorine are preferred. The substituent fluorine is particularly preferred. It is also possible to replace all the hydrogen atoms of the alkenyl group.

Alkynyl groups as well as alkynyl groups which are a part of other groups denote branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6, particularly preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms which contain at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Examples include: ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl and decynyl. Unless otherwise mentioned, the terms propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl and decynyl used above include all the possible isomeric forms. For example, the term butynyl includes the isomeric groups but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl and but-3-ynyl, etc. In the above-mentioned alkynyl groups one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example, these alkynyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The substituents fluorine or chlorine are preferred. The substituent fluorine is particularly preferred. It is also possible to replace all the hydrogen atoms of the alkynyl group.

The term aryl denotes an aromatic ring system with 6 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 or 10 carbon atoms, most preferably phenyl, which may optionally be substituted and may preferably carry one or more of the following substituents: OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(alkyl)-CO-alkyl, —N (alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂—N(alkyl)₂, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N (alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CON H(OH), —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂N H-aryl, —SO₂N(alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(alkyl)-aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-aryl —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, tetrazolyl, halogen, for example fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine or chlorine, particularly fluorine, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₅-alkyl, particularly preferably C₁-C₃-alkyl, most particularly preferably methyl or ethyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), preferably methoxy or ethoxy, —COOH or —CONH₂.

Examples of heteroaryl groups are 5 to 10-membered mono- or bicyclic heteroaryl rings wherein up to three C atoms may be replaced by one heteroatoms selected from among oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, for example furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazine, oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, oxadiazole, while each of the above-mentioned heterocycles may optionally also be annellated to a benzene ring, such as benzimidazole, and these heterocycles may optionally be substituted and preferably carry one or more of the following substituents: OH, NO₂, CN, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(alkyl)-CO-alkyl, —N(alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(alkyl)-aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-aryl —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, —CONH₂, halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₅-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₃-alkyl, particularly preferably methyl or ethyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), preferably methoxy or ethoxy, —COOH, —COOCH₃, —CONH₂, —SO-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂H, —SO₃-alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl.

Examples of cycloalkyl groups are saturated or unsaturated cycloalkyl groups with 3 to 8 carbon atoms, for example cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl, preferably cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, while each of the above-mentioned cycloalkyl groups may optionally also carry one or more substituents or be annellated to a benzene ring.

Unless otherwise stated in the definitions, examples of heterocycloalkyl or heterocyclyl groups include 5-, 6- or 7-membered, saturated or unsaturated heterocycles which may contain nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur as heteroatoms, for example tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuranone, γ-butyrolactone, α-pyran, γ-pyran, dioxolane, tetrahydropyran, dioxane, dihydrothiophene, thiolane, dithiolane, pyrroline, pyrrolidine, pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, imidazoline, imidazolidine, tetrazole, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, piperazine, triazine, tetrazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, diazepan, oxazine, tetrahydro-oxazinyl, isothiazole and pyrazolidine, preferably pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydro-oxazinyl, while the heterocyclic group may optionally be substituted.

The compounds of the above general formula (I) which contain a group that can be cleaved in-vivo are so-called prodrugs, and compounds of general formula I which contain two groups that can be cleaved in-vivo are so-called double prodrugs.

By a group which can be converted in-vivo into a carboxy group is meant for example an ester of formula —CO₂R¹¹, where

-   R¹¹ denotes hydroxymethyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,     cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxycarbonyl,     1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-1-isobenzofuranol, —C(-alkyl)(-alkyl)-OC(O)-alkyl,     —CHC(O)NH(-alkyl), —CHC(O)N(-alkyl)(-alkyl), -alkyl, preferably     C₁-C₆-alkyl, particularly preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,     iso-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl or n-hexyl, cycloalkyl, preferably     C₁-C₆-cycloalkyl, particularly preferably cyclohexyl,     —(C₁-C₃-alkyl)-aryl, preferably (C₁-C₃-alkyl)-phenyl, particularly     preferably benzyl, —CHC(O)N(-alkyl)(-alkyl), preferably     —CHC(O)N(—C₁-C₃-alkyl)(—C₁-C₃-alkyl), particularly preferably     —CHC(O)N(CH₃)₂, —CH(-alkyl)OC(O)-alkyl, preferably     —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)(—C₁-C₆-alkyl), particularly preferably     —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)-methyl, —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)-ethyl,     —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)-n-propyl, —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)-n-butyl or     —CH(—CH₃)OC(O)-t-butyl, or —CH₂OC(O)-alkyl, preferably     —CH₂OC(O)(—C₁-C₆-alkyl), particularly preferably —CH₂OC(O)-methyl,     —CH₂OC(O)-ethyl, —CH₂OC(O)-n-propyl, —CH₂OC(O)-n-butyl or     —CH₂OC(O)-t-butyl.

By a group which can be converted in-vivo into a sulphonamide or amino group is meant for example one of the following groups:

-   —OH, -formyl, —C(O)-alkyl, —C(O)-aryl, —C(O)-heteroaryl,     —CH₂OC(O)-alkyl, —CH(-alkyl)OC(O)-alkyl,     —C(-alkyl)(-alkyl)OC(O)-alkyl, —CO₂-alkyl, preferably     C₁-C₉-alkoxy-carbonyl, particularly preferably methoxycarbonyl,     ethoxycarbonyl, n-propyloxycarbonyl, isopropyloxycarbonyl,     n-butyloxycarbonyl, n-pentyloxycarbonyl, n-hexyloxycarbonyl,     cyclohexyloxycarbonyl, n-heptyloxycarbonyl, n-octyloxycarbonyl or     n-nonyloxycarbonyl, —CO₂(—C₁-C₃-alkyl)-aryl, preferably     —CO₂(—C₁-C₃-alkyl)-phenyl, particularly preferably     benzyloxycarbonyl, —C(O)-aryl, preferably benzoyl, —C(O)-heteroaryl,     preferably pyridinoyl or nicotinoyl or —C(O)-alkyl, preferably     —C(O)(—C₁-C₆-alkyl), particularly preferably     2-methyl-sulphonylethoxycarbonyl-, 2-(2-ethoxy)-ethoxycarbonyl-.

Halogen generally denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably chlorine or fluorine, particularly preferably fluorine.

The compounds according to the invention may be in the form of the individual optical isomers, mixtures of the individual enantiomers, diastereomers or racemates, prodrugs, double prodrugs and in the form of the tautomers, salts, solvates and hydrates as well as in the form of the free bases or the corresponding acid addition salts with pharmacologically acceptable acids—such as for example acid addition salts with hydrohalic acids, for example hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, or organic acids, such as for example oxalic, fumaric, diglycolic, formic, malic, benzoic, benzenesulphonic, camphorsulphonic, acetic, ethanesulphonic, glutamic, maleic, mandelic, lactic, phosphoric, nitric, sulphuric, succinic, para-toluenesulphonic, trifluoroacetic, tartaric, citric or methanesulphonic acid.

Moreover, if the new compounds of formula I thus obtained contain a carboxy group or another acid group, they may subsequently, if desired, be converted into the salts thereof with inorganic or organic bases, particularly for pharmaceutical use into the physiologically acceptable salts thereof. Suitable bases for this purpose include for example sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, cyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine.

Moreover the compounds of general formula I obtained may be resolved into their enantiomers and/or diastereomers.

Thus, for example, the compounds of general formula I obtained which occur as racemates may be separated by methods known per se (cf. Allinger N. L. and Eliel E. L. in “Topics in Stereochemistry”, Vol. 6, Wiley Interscience, 1971) into their optical antipodes and compounds of general formula I with at least 2 asymmetric carbon atoms may be resolved into their diastereomers on the basis of their physical-chemical differences using methods known per se, e.g. by chromatography and/or fractional crystallisation, and, if these compounds are obtained in racemic form, they may subsequently be resolved into the enantiomers as mentioned above.

The enantiomers are preferably separated by column separation on chiral phases or by recrystallisation from an optically active solvent or by reacting with an optically active substance which forms salts or derivatives such as e.g. esters or amides with the racemic compound, particularly acids and the activated derivatives or alcohols thereof, and separating the diastereomeric mixture of salts or derivatives thus obtained, e.g. on the basis of their differences in solubility, whilst the free antipodes may be released from the pure diastereomeric salts or derivatives by the action of suitable agents. Optically active acids in common use are e.g. the D- and L-forms of tartaric acid or dibenzoyltartaric acid, di-o-tolyltartaric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, camphorsulphonic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid or quinic acid. An optically active alcohol may be, for example, (+) or (−)-menthol and an optically active acyl group in amides, for example, may be a (+)- or (−)-menthyloxycarbonyl.

The substituent R¹ may represent optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, preferably substituted phenyl. Particularly preferably, the substituent R¹ denotes phenyl.

The substituent R² may represent a heteroaryl or heterocyclyl mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰, where R² contains at least one nitrogen atom. Particularly preferred is a triazole mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰, a 1,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-phthalazine mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰, a 2-oxoimidazolidine mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰, a benzimidazole mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰ or an imidazole mono- or polysubstituted by R¹⁰.

Most particularly preferred meanings of the substituent R² are a 1H-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl monosubstituted by R¹⁰, a 1,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-phthalazin-2-yl monosubstituted by R¹⁰, a 2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl monosubstituted by R¹⁰, a benzimidazol-1-yl monosubstituted by R¹⁰ or an imidazol-1-yl monosubstituted by R¹⁰.

The substituents R³ and R⁴ may independently of one another represent hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from among C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or C₁-C₅-alkyl, preferably C₁-C₅-alkyl, or R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 7-membered alkylene bridge, preferably a 2- to 5-membered alkylene bridge, particularly an ethylene bridge.

A substituted R³ or R⁴ is preferably substituted by C₁-C₃-alkyl.

Preferably R³ denotes methyl.

Preferably R⁴ denotes methyl.

The substituents R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ may independently of one another denote hydrogen or a group selected from among halogen, cyano, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸CO-aryl, —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂-aryl, —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸, —OR⁸, optionally substituted C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, preferably hydrogen, halogen, cyano, methoxy, methanesulphonylamino, methanesulphonyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl, particularly hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or cyano. A most particularly preferred definition of the substituents R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ is hydrogen.

The substituent R⁸ may represent hydrogen or C₁-C₅-alkyl, preferably methyl.

The substituent R⁹ may represent hydrogen, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl, preferably optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl or thiophenyl.

The substituent R¹⁰ may represent OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)CO-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(-alkyl)SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(-alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂, —CON(-alkyl)SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl.

Preferably R¹⁰ denotes —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —NH₂, —I, —N(CH₃)₂, —NHCO₂CH₃, —NHSO₂CH₃, —SO₂N(C H₃)₂, —CO₂H, benzyloxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, —CONHOH, tetrazol-5-yl, pyridin-4-yl, pyridin-2-yl, 6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl, phenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-methoxy-phenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl or 1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl.

The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by the methods of synthesis described below, while formulae (I) to (VI) and the substituents of general formulae R¹ to R⁷ have the meanings given hereinbefore. These methods are intended as an illustration of the invention without restricting it to their content.

General Methods of Synthesis

Synthesis of the 3-chloropropylamine-hydrochlorides

130 mmol thionyl chloride were slowly added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 100 mmol 3-aminobutanol in 50 mL methylene chloride/dimethylformamide (50:1) with vigorous stirring. After the addition had ended the reaction mixture was refluxed for about 1 hour (h) at reflux temperature and then stirred for about 16 h at ambient temperature. The solvent was removed and the residue was combined with 10 mL acetonitrile with stirring. The solid was filtered off and dried.

Synthesis of the tert-butyl (3-chloropropyl)-carbamates

100 mmol di-tert.-butyldicarbonate were added batchwise to a solution of 140 mmol 3-chloropropylamine hydrochloride and 330 mmol triethylamine in 400 mL methylene chloride at ambient temperature with vigorous stirring. After the addition had ended the reaction mixture was stirred for about 4 days (d) at ambient temperature (RT). The solvent was removed and the residue was taken up in about 100 mL ethyl acetate and about 200 mL water. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with about 100 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed about three times with 100 mL water, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator.

Synthesis of the substituted tert-butyl (3-aminopropyl)-carbamates

11 mmol sodium hydride were added batchwise at 5° C. to a solution of 10 mmol HR² in 15 mL of 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2 (1H)-pyrimidone, with vigorous stirring. After the development of gas had ended the reaction mixture was stirred for about 1 h at 0° C. and 10 mmol tert-butyl (3-chloropropyl)-carbamate in 5 mL 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2 (1H)-pyrimidone and 1 mmol tetrabutylammonium iodide were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for approx. 48 h at ambient temperature and then poured into 450 mL ice water/ethyl acetate 2:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted about three times with 100 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed about five times with 100 mL water, then with about 100 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography.

Synthesis of the Substituted Amines

2 mL trifluoroacetic acid were added to a solution of 1 mmol) tert-butyl {3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propyl}-carbamate in 5 mL dichloromethane at ambient temperature with vigorous stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred for approx. 16 h at ambient temperature and then freed from the solvent. The residue was stirred with diethyl ether or purified by flash column chromatography.

The free base was prepared from the amine-bistrifluoroacetate obtained using known methods.

Synthesis Route A): Synthesis of the substituted 2-chloro-1-phenylethanones

30 mmol sulphuryl chloride were added dropwise with vigorous stirring to a solution of 10 mmol 1-phenylethanone in about 50 mL dichloromethane at 0° C. over approx. 30 min. The reaction mixture was refluxed for approx. 3 h, cooled to ambient temperature and washed with about 50 mL water, about 50 mL saturated, aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and about 50 mL saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried and freed from the solvent.

Synthesis of the substituted 2-chloro-1-phenyl-ethanols

11 mmol borane-tetrahydrofuran complex (1M in tetrahydrofuran) were added dropwise at 10° C. with vigorous stirring over approx. 30 min to a solution of 10 mmol 2-chloro-1-phenylethanone in about 25 mL tetrahydrofuran. After the development of gas had ended the reaction was stirred for approx. 16 h at ambient temperature and then poured into about 450 mL water/ethyl acetate 2:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted about three times with 100 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed about twice with 100 mL water, then with about 100 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography

By using an enantioselective reducing agent (Shinichi, I., Organic Reactions 1998, 52, 395-576; Wallabaum, S.; Martens, J. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1992, 3, 1475-1504; Hett, R.; Senanayake, C. H.; Wald, S. A. Tetrahedron Letters 1998, 39, 1705-1708; Yaozhong, J.; Yong, Q.; Aiqiao, M.; Zhitang, M. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1994, 5, 1211-1214; Sawa, I.; Konishi, Y.; Maemoto, S.; Hasegawa, J. WO 9201804A1, 1992; Yasohara, Y.; Sawa, I.; Ueda, M.; Hasegawa, J.; Shimizu, A.; Kataoka, M.; Wada M.; Kawabata, J. JP 11215995, 1999; Hamada, T.; Torii, T.; Izawa, K.; Noyori, R.; Ikariya, T. Organic Letters 2002, 4, 4373-4376) the 2-chloro-1-phenylethanols may also be obtained in enantiomerically pure form. The (R)-enantiomers are of outstanding importance according to the invention.

Synthesis of the Substituted Phenyloxirans

13 mmol potassium carbonate and 2 mmol sodium iodide were added to a solution of 10 mmol 2-chloro-1-phenylethanol in about 30 mL acetonitrile. The reaction mixture was refluxed for approx. 8 h and then poured into about 150 mL water/ethyl acetate 2:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted about three times with 50 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with about 50 mL water, then with about 50 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography.

Synthesis of the Substituted Phenyloxiran (R)-enantiomers

Carried out analogously to a process described in the literature (Org. Lett. 2002, 4, 4373-4376).

6 mL of a mixture of formic acid and triethylamine (molar ratio=5:2) are added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 30 mmol of a substituted 2-chloro-1-phenylethanone and 0.03 mmol Cp*RhCl[(S,S)-TsDPEN] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and TsDPEN=(1S,2S)-N-p-toluenesulphonyl-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) in 15 mL dimethylformamide. The mixture is stirred for 24 h at 0° C. and 45 mg catalyst and 6 mL of a mixture of formic acid and triethylamine (molar ratio=5:2) are added thereto. After another 2.5 h stirring at 0° C. the reaction mixture is combined at 0° C. with 33.9 mL sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture is stirred for 1.5 h at 0° C., acidified with 13.5 mL glacial acetic acid and extracted about three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed about three times with water and then with saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography.

The further reactions are carried out analogously in each case: starting from racemic educts racemic products are obtained and starting from enantiomerically pure compounds enantiomerically pure products are obtained. Alternatively, a racemic end compound obtained may be separated into the two enantiomers for example by chiral column chromatography or by recrystallisation with suitable chiral counter-ions.

Synthesis of the Substituted Ethanolamines

1 mmol phenyloxiran was added to a solution of 1 mmol amine in 2 mL ethanol and refluxed for approx. 18 h. The reaction mixture was freed from the solvent and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography or recrystallisation. The free ethanolamine or the corresponding salt was obtained as a solid.

Synthesis Route B): Synthesis of the Substituted Ethoxy-Hydroxyketones

5 ml of water, 5 g activated charcoal and 60 mmol selenium dioxide were added to a solution of 30 mmol 1-phenylethanone in about 50 mL dioxane. The reaction mixture was stirred for approx. 20 h at 80° C. and then the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was dissolved in about 30 ml of ethanol and refluxed for approx. 6 h. The reaction mixture was freed from the solvent, dissolved in about 150 mL ethyl acetate, washed about three times with 100 ml saturated, aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, dried and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography.

Synthesis of the Substituted Ethanolamines

1 mmol ethoxy-hydroxyketone was added to 1 mmol amine bistrifluoroacetate in 10 mL ethanol and refluxed for approx. 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and then combined with 3 mmol sodium borohydride. It was stirred for approximately another 3 h at ambient temperature and then combined with 20 mL saturated, aqueous potassium carbonate solution and 20 mL ethyl acetate. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography or recrystallisation. The free ethanolamine or the corresponding salt was thus obtained as a solid.

Suzuki Coupling of Substituted Iodoimidazoles with Substituted Boric Acids

1 mmol iodoimidazole, 2 mmol arylboric acid, 0.01 mmol tetrakis(triphenylphosphino)palladium and 0.01 mmol tetrabutylammonium bromide in 20 mL saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution/toluene (1:1) were refluxed for approx. 3 d. The reaction mixture was combined at ambient temperature with about 100 mL toluene water (1:1), the phases were separated and the organic phase was washed about three times with 50 mL water. The organic phase was dried and freed from the solvent. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography. The desired phenylimidazole was obtained as a colourless oil.

The new compounds of general formula (I) may be synthesised analogously to the following examples of synthesis. These Examples are intended purely as a further illustration of the invention without restricting it to their content.

EXAMPLE 22 Synthesis of N-[3-(2-ethoxy-2-hydroxyacetyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide

1 ml of water, 1 g activated charcoal and 2.66 g (24 mmol) selenium dioxide was added to a solution of 1.65 g (6.00 mmol) N-(acetylphenyl)benzenesulphonamide in about 10 mL dioxane. The reaction mixture was stirred for approx. 4 d at 80° C. and then the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was dissolved in about 30 ml of ethanol and refluxed for approx. 4 h. The solvent was eliminated from the reaction mixture using the rotary evaporator, the residue was dissolved in about 100 mL ethyl acetate, washed about three times with 30 ml saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. 0.917 g (2.73 mmol, 46%) N-[3-(2-ethoxy-2-hydroxyacetyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a yellow solid.

Synthesis of 3-chloro-1,1-dimethylpropylamine-hydrochloride

48.7 mL (668 mmol) thionyl chloride were slowly added dropwise at 0° C. with vigorous stirring to a solution of 53.0 g (514 mmol) 3-amino-3-methyl-butanol in 255 mL methylene chloride/dimethylformamide (50:1). After the addition had ended the reaction mixture was refluxed for 1 h at reflux temperature and then stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature. The solvent was removed and the residue was combined with 50 mL acetonitrile with stirring. The solid was filtered off and dried for 18 h at 45° C. 67.9 g (430 mmol, 84%) 3-chloro-1,1-dimethylpropylamine-hydrochloride were obtained as a colourless solid.

Synthesis of tert-butyl (3-chloro-1,1-dimethyl-propyl)-carbamate

101 g (218 mmol) di-tert.-butyldicarbonate were added batchwise to a solution of 48.8 g (309 mmol) 3-chloro-1,1-dimethylpropylamine-hydrochloride and 100 mL (718 mmol) triethylamine in 900 mL methylene chloride, at ambient temperature, with vigorous stirring. After the addition had ended the reaction was stirred for 4 d at RT. The solvent was removed and the residue was taken up in 250 mL ethyl acetate and 400 mL water. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with 200 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed three times with 150 mL water, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. 45.3 g (204 mmol, 66%) tert-butyl (3-chloro-1,1-dimethyl-propyl)-carbamate were obtained as a colourless oil.

Synthesis of tert-butyl [3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propyl]-carbamate

0.556 g (22.0 mmol) sodium hydride were added batchwise to a solution of 3.88 g (20.0 mmol) iodoimidazole in 30 mL 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2 (1H)-pyrimidone at 5° C. with vigorous stirring. After the development of gas had ended the reaction was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. and 4.44 g (20 mmol) tert-butyl (3-chloro-1,1-dimethyl-propyl)-carbamate in 5 mL 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2 (1H)-pyrimidone and 0.739 g (2.00 mmol) tetrabutylammonium iodide were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature, stirred for 24 h at 80° C., cooled to ambient temperature and poured into 750 mL ice water/ethyl acetate 2:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted three times with 150 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed five times with 150 mL water, then once with 150 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (80:20->0:100)]. 3.19 g (8.40 mmol, 42%) tert-butyl [3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propyl]-carbamate were obtained as a colourless oil.

Synthesis of 3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine

10 mL (130 mmol) trifluoroacetic acid were added to a solution of 1.90 g (5.00 mmol) tert-butyl [3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propyl]-carbamate in 90 mL dichloromethane at ambient temperature with vigorous stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was taken up in 100 mL sodium hydroxide solution (1M) and 100 mL dichloromethane. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted three times with 100 mL dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. 1.37 g (4.91 mmol, 98%) 3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine were obtained as a colourless oil.

Synthesis of N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide (Example 10)

7.81 g (23.3 mmol) N-[3-(2-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-acetyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide and 6.50 g (23.3 mmol) 3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine in 40 mL ethanol were refluxed for 15 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and then combined with 3.70 g (97.9 mmol) sodium borohydride. It was stirred for a further 24 h at ambient temperature stirred and then combined with 20 mL saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The aqueous phase was separated from the organic phase and extracted twice with 50 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with 20 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate and freed from the solvent using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [methylene chloride/methanol/ammonia (90:10:1)]. 12.9 g (10.5 mmol, 45%) N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a colourless solid.

Synthesis of N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide (Suzuki coupling)

0.277 g (0.500 mmol) N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, 0.807 g (0.613 mmol) 5-methylthiophene-2-boric acid, 0.031 g (0.038 mmol) [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]-palladium(II)-chloride (1:1 complex with dichloromethane), 2.00 mL aqueous sodium carbonate solution (2M) and 2 mL dioxane were stirred for 5 min at 150° C. in a sealed reaction vessel in a microwave. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and then poured into 20 mL dichloromethane and 20 mL water. The phases were separated, the organic phase was washed twice with 20 mL water, dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [methylene chloride/methanol (100:0->75:25)]. 0.200 g (0.381 mmol, 76%) N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a beige solid.

Examples 4, 9, 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 38 were synthesised analogously to the method described for Example 22. In the last step of the reaction, the following reagents were used instead of 5-methylthiophene-2-boric acid.

-   Example 4: 4-nitrophenylboric acid -   Example 9: 4-methanesulphonylaminoboric acid -   Example 16: 4-benzyloxycarbonylphenylboric acid -   Example 19: 4-acetamidophenylboric acid -   Example 20: 3,5-dimethylisoxazole-4-boric acid -   Example 21: 2-methoxy-5-pyridineboric acid -   Example 23: 4-fluorophenylboric acid -   Example 26: thiophene-2-boric acid -   Example 27: 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylboric acid -   Example 28: 4-ethoxycarbonylphenylboric acid -   Example 38: 4-tetrazolylphenylboric acid (Organic Letters 6 (2004)     19, 3265-3268)

EXAMPLE 14 Synthesis of methyl 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (Example 11)

0.554 g (1.00 mmol) N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, 0.055 g (0,100 mmol) 1,1′-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene, 0.022 g (0.100 mmol) palladium(II)acetate and 5 mL methanol were shaken in an autoclave under a carbon monoxide atmosphere of 2 bar for 15 h at 50° C. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was freed from solvent using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [methylene chloride/methanol (100:0->80:20)]. 0.480 g (0.986 mmol, 99%) methyl 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate were obtained as a colourless solid.

Synthesis of 1-[3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl]-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid

4.00 mL sodium hydroxide solution (1M) was added to 7.81 g (23.3 mmol) methyl 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate in 8 mL tetrahydrofuran and stirred for 4 h at ambient temperature. The solvent was eliminated from the reaction mixture using the rotary evaporator and the residue was combined three times with 20 mL methanol and filtered. The combined methanolic phases were freed from solvent using the rotary evaporator and 0.390 g (0.825 mmol, 98%) 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid were obtained as a colourless solid.

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of tert-butyl {3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propyl}-carbamate

0.73 g (60% in oil, 18.3 mmol) sodium hydride were added batchwise to a solution of 3.69 g (16.6 mmol) 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one in 20 mL 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2 (1H)-pyrimidone at 5° C. with vigorous stirring. After the development of gas had ended the reaction was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. and 3.00 g (16.6 mmol) tert-butyl (3-chloro-1,1-dimethyl-propyl)-carbamate and 0.62 g (1.67 mmol) tetrabutylammonium iodide were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 48 h at ambient temperature and then poured into 500 mL ice water/ethyl acetate 2:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted three times with 150 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed five times with 150 mL water, then once with 150 mL saturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (70:30)]. 1.35 g (3.69 mmol, 22%) tert-butyl [{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propyl}-carbamate were obtained as a colourless solid.

Synthesis of 1-(3-amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one

10 mL (130 mmol) trifluoroacetic acid were added to a solution of 1.35 g (3.9 mmol) tert-butyl {3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propyl}-carbamate in 20 mL dichloromethane at ambient temperature with vigorous stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was stirred with diethyl ether. 1.37 g (4.91 mmol, 98%) 1-(3-amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one bistrifluoroacetate were obtained as a colourless solid.

Synthesis of N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide

The free base was prepared from 0.34 g (0.90 mmol) 1-(3-amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one bistrifluoroacetate by known methods. It was dissolved in 4 mL ethanol, combined with 0.20 g (0.60 mmol) N-[3-(2-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-acetyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide and refluxed for 15 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and then combined with 0.34 g (9.00 mmol) sodium borohydride. It was stirred for a further 24 h at ambient temperature and then combined with 20 mL saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The aqueous phase was separated from the organic phase and extracted twice with 50 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with 20 mL saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate and freed from the solvent using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [methylene chloride/methanol (98:2->75:25)]. 0.10 g (0.19 mmol, 31%) N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a colourless solid.

Examples 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 13, 15, 18, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and 37 were synthesised analogously to the method described in Example 5. The following reagents were used in the first reaction step instead of 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one:

-   Example 1: 4-phenylimidazole -   Example 2: 2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-phthalazine-1,4-dione -   Example 3: 4-phenylimidazolidin-2-one -   Example 6: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole -   Example 7: 4-(imidazol-4-yl)-phenol -   Example 13: 1-pyridin-2-yl-imidazolidin-2-one -   Example 15: 4-(imidazol-4-yl)-pyridine -   Example 18: 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one -   Example 24: 5-nitrobenzimidazole -   Example 25: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl) [1,2,3]triazole -   Example 29: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one -   Example 30: 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one -   Example 31: 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) [1,2,4]triazole -   Example 37: ethyl benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Synthesis of 3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine (the amine component for the last step of the synthesis of Example 7)

1.0 g (4.00 mmol) 3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine and 4.00 g pyridine hydrochloride were stirred for 2 h at 200° C. in a sealed reaction vessel in a microwave. The reaction mixture was poured into 40 mL ice water and 40 mL ethyl acetate, the pH of the aqueous phase was adjusted to over 9 with sodium hydroxide solution (2M) and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted five times with 50 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. 0.530 g (2.16 mmol, 54%) 3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine were obtained as a colourless solid.

1-(3-amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one (amine component for the last step of the synthesis of Example 18) was synthesised from 1-(3-amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazolidin-2-one analogously to the synthesis of 3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamine (amine component for the last step of the synthesis of Example 7).

1-(3-Amino-3-methyl-butyl)-3-pyridin-2-yl-imidazolidin-2-one (amine component for the last step of the synthesis of Example 13) was synthesised analogously to the procedures laid down in DE2548663 and DE2528078.

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide

1.69 g (3.07 mmol) N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, 0.10 g palladium on activated charcoal, and 30 mL methanol were shaken in an autoclave at ambient temperature under a hydrogen atmosphere of 1 bar for 3 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was freed from solvent using the rotary evaporator. 1.59 g (3.05 mmol, 99%) N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a colourless solid.

Examples 17, 32, 34 and 35 were synthesised analogously to the method described in Example 8. The following compounds were used instead of N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide:

-   Example 17: benzyl     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate     (Example 16) -   Example 32:     N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[3-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide     (Example 30) -   Example 34:     N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide     (Example 20) -   Example 35:     N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide     (Example 4)

EXAMPLE 12 Synthesis of N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-N,N-dimethylsulphamylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide

0.064 mL (0.600 mmol) N,N-dimethylsulphamyl chloride was added at 0° C. to 0.208 g (0.400 mmol) N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide in 4 mL pyridine and the mixture was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 ml hydrochloric acid (1M)/ethyl acetate 1:1. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted three times with 20 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated using the rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography [methylene chloride/methanol (100:0->70:30)], and 0.131 g (0.209 mmol, 52%) N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-N,N-dimethylsulphamylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide were obtained as a colourless solid.

The compounds of formula (IA) listed in Table 1 were obtained, inter alia, analogously to the method described above.

The abbreviation X₂ used in Table 1 denotes a link to the position in the general formula shown in Table 1 instead of the corresponding groups R². TABLE 1

Example R² R_(f) value MS 1

DCM/MeOH 85/15; R_(f) 0.52 ESI (M + H)⁺ =505 2

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.50 ESI (M + H)⁺ =537 3

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.48 ESI (M + H)⁺ =523 4

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.38 ESI (M + H)⁺ =550 5

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.39 ESI (M + H)⁺ =539 6

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.36 ESI (M + H)⁺ =535 7

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.30 ESI (M + H)⁺ =521 8

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.32 ESI (M + H)⁺ =520 9

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.23 ESI (M + H)⁺ =598 10

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.34 ESI (M + H)⁺ =555 11

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.20 ESI (M + H)⁺ =487 12

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.26 ESI (M + H)⁺ =627 13

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.26 ESI (M + H)⁺ =524 14

DCM/MeOH/AcOH 70/30/3; R_(f) 0.07 ESI (M + H)⁺ =473 15

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.25 ESI (M + H)⁺ =506 16

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.34 ESI (M + H)⁺ =639 17

DCM/MeOH/AcOH 70/30/3; R_(f) 0.57 ESI (M + H)⁺ =549 18

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.34 ESI (M + H)⁺ =539 19

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.21 ESI (M + H)⁺ =562 20

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.21 ESI (M + H)⁺ =524 21

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.31 ESI (M + H)⁺ =536 22

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.36 ESI (M + H)⁺ =525 23

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.29 ESI (M + H)⁺ =523 24

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.29 ESI (M + H)⁺ =524 25

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.23 ESI (M + H)⁺ =536 26

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.36 ESI (M + H)⁺ =511 27

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.32 ESI (M + H)⁺ =548 28

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.32 ESI (M + H)⁺ =577 29

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.46 ESI (M + H)⁺ =553 30

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.42 ESI (M + H)⁺ =568 31

DCM/MeOH 90/10; R_(f) 0.21 ESI (M + H)⁺ =550 32

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1;R_(f) 0.33 ESI (M + H)⁺ =538 33

RP-18 F 254 MeCN/H₂O/AcOH 20/80/1; R_(f) 0.33 ESI (M + H)⁺ =526 34

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.27 ESI (M + H)⁺ =494 35

DCM/MeOH/AcOH 80/20/2; R_(f) 0.50 ESI (M + H)⁺ =423 36

DCM/MeOH/NH₄OH 90/10/1; R_(f) 0.35 ESI (M + H)⁺ =551 37

RP-18 F 254 MeCN/H₂O/ 1/1; R_(f) 0.59 ESI (M + H)⁺ =573 38

RP-18 F 254 MeCN/H₂O/AcOH 250/250/1; R_(f) 0.51 ESI (M + H)⁺ =564 Abbreviations:

-   AcOH: glacial acetic acid -   DCM: dichloromethane -   MeCN acetonitrile -   MeOH: methanol -   NH₄OH: conc. solution of ammonia in water -   RP-18 F254: Merck reversed phase silica gel 18 F254 TLC plate

Unless otherwise stated, all the R_(f) values were determined on Merck silica gel 60 F254 TLC plates.

Chemical names of the Examples (Example Nos. correspond to the numbering used below):

-   1)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-phenyl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   2) N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-3,4-di     hydro-1H-phthalazin-2-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   3)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   4)     N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   5)     N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   6)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   7)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   8)     N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   9)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methanesulphonylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   10)     N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   11) methyl     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate -   12)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-N,N-dimethyl-sulphamoylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   13)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-pyridin-2-yl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   14)     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic     acid -   15)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-4-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   16) benzyl     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate -   17)     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoic     acid -   18)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   19)     N-[4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-acetamide -   20)     N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   21)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   22)     N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   23)     N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   24)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(5-nitro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   25)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1.2.3]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   26)     N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-thiophen-2-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   27) N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-di     methylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   28) ethyl     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate -   29)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   30)     N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[3-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   31)     N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   32)     N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propyl-amino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   33)     N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide -   34)     N-(3-{2-[3-(5-amino-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide -   35)     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic     acid -   36) ethyl     1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylate -   37)     N-{3-[2-(1,1-dimethyl-3-{4-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-imidazol-1-yl}-propylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl]-phenyl}-benzenesulphonamide -   38)     4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxy-benzamide

The (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of the Examples may be obtained from the racemate by chiral HPLC, for example (e.g. column: Chirobiotic T, 250×4.6 mm obtained from Messrs Astec). The mobile phase used may be methanol with 0.05% triethylamine and 0.05% acetic acid (eluant A) in acetonitrile. Silica gel with a particle size of 5 μm to which the glycoprotein teicoplanin is covalently bound may be used as the column material. Of outstanding importance according to the invention are the (R)-enantiomers of general formula:

The following enantiomers were obtained, for example:

-   Example 4: (30% eluant A in acetonitrile): -   retention time     [(R)-N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide]=25.5     min -   retention time     [(S)-N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide]=30.0     min. -   Example 8 (30% eluant A in acetonitrile): -   retention time     [(R)-N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide]=22.4     min, -   retention time     [(S)-N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide]=25.1     min. -   Example 17: (30% eluant A in acetonitrile) -   retention time     [(R)-4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoic     acid]=11.4 min, -   retention time     [(S)-4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoic     acid]=12.9 min. -   Example 28: (50% eluant A in acetonitrile) -   retention time ethyl     [(R)-4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate]=13.2     min, -   retention time ethyl     [(S)-4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate]=14.6     min.

As has been found, the compounds of general formula (I) are characterised by their great versatility in the therapeutic field. Particular mention should be made of those applications in which the effects of beta-3-agonists, particularly selective beta-3-agonists play a part.

Such diseases include for example:

-   atherosclerosis, cholangitis, gall bladder disease, chronic     cystitis, chronic bladder inflammation; chronic prostatitis,     cystospasm, depression, duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, dysmenorrhoea;     increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma, enteritis,     oesophagitis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders     caused by contraction(s) of the smooth muscle, gastrointestinal     disorders incl. gastric ulcer; gastrointestinal ulceration,     gastrointestinal ulcers, glaucoma, glucosuria, hyperanakinesia,     hypercholesterolaemia, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipaemia, arterial     hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, insulin resistance, intestinal     ulceration or small bowel ulcers (incl. inflammatory bowel diseases,     ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and proctitis=inflammation of     the rectum), irritable colon and other diseases with decreased     intestinal motility, depression, melancholy, pollacisuria, frequent     urinary urgency, nervous neurogenic inflammation, neurogenic bladder     dysfunction, neurogenic inflammation of the respiratory tract,     neuropathic bladder dysfunction, nycturia, non-specific diarrhoea,     dumping syndrome, obesity, fatness, pancreatitis, inflammation of     the pancreas, stomach ulcers, prostate diseases such as benign     prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate, spasm, cramp, type 2     diabetes mellitus, irritable bladder or concrement of the lower     urinary tract.

The beta-3 agonists according to the invention are particularly suitable for the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urinary incontinence, irritable colon and other diseases with decreased intestinal motility or depression, particularly for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.

The activity of the beta-3 agonists can be determined for example in a lipolysis test. The test procedure may be carried out as follows:

Adipocytes were isolated from fatty tissue ex vivo by modifying a method according to Rodbell (Rodbell, M. Metabolism of isolated fat cells. I. Effects of hormones on glucose metabolism and lipolysis. J Biol Chem 239: 375-380. 1964). The excised fatty tissue was cut into small pieces and mixed with 1 mg/ml collagenase in Krebs Ringer Buffer (KRB) containing 6 mM glucose and 2% albumin by gently shaking for 30-40 min at 37° C. The cells were filtered through a gauze, washed twice with KRB and in each case 50-150 g were centrifuged for 5 min. 10 μl of the centrifuged adipocytes were incubated with 90 μl of a compound according to the invention (agonist) at concentrations of between 10⁻¹⁵ to 10⁻⁴ M. The agonists were incubated over 40 min at 37° C. A varying release of glycerol in the medium indicated that the fat cell lipolysis had altered as a result of the addition of the agonist. Released glycerol was detected enzymatically with a Sigma kit (triglyceride (GPO Trinder) Reagent A; Cat. # 337-40A), as described below.

Glycerol is phosphorylated by ATP via glycerol kinase. The resulting glycerol-1-phosphate is oxidised by glycerolphosphate oxidase to form dihydroxyacetone phosphate and hydrogen peroxide. Then a quinonimine dye is produced by the peroxidase-catalysed coupling of sodium-N-ethyl-N-(3-sulphopropyl)m-ansidine and 4-aminoantipyrine. The dye has an absorption peak at 540 nm. The absorption is directly proportional to the glycerol concentration in the samples.

The new compounds may be used for the prevention or short-term or long-term treatment of the above-mentioned diseases, and may also be used in conjunction with other active substances used for the same indications. These include, for example, antidiabetics, such as metformin, sulphonylureas (e.g. glibenclamid, tolbutamide, glimepiride), nateglinide, repaglinide, thiazolidinedione (e.g. rosiglitazone, pioglitazone), PPAR-gamma agonists (e.g. GI 262570), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g. acarbose, voglibose), alpha2 antagonists, insulin and insulin analogues, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues (e.g. exendin-4) or amylin. Also, inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1, substances which influence deregulated glucose production in the liver, such as e.g. inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase, or fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, glucagon receptor antagonists and inhibitors of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase, glycogen synthase kinase or pyruvate dehydrokinase, lipid lowering agents, such as HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin), fibrates (e.g. bezafibrate, fenofibrate), nicotinic acid and its derivatives, cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as for example ezetimibe, bile acid-binding substances such as for example cholestyramine, HDL-raising compounds such as for example inhibitors of CETP or regulators of ABC1 or active substances for the treatment of obesity, such as e.g. sibutramine or tetrahydrolipostatin.

In particular, they may also be combined with drugs for treating high blood pressure such as e.g. All antagonists or ACE inhibitors, diuretics, β-blockers, and other modulators of the adrenergic system or combinations thereof. In addition, combinations with stimulators of the adrenergic system via alpha 1 and alpha 2 and also beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 receptors are particularly suitable.

The compounds of general formula (I) may be used on their own or in conjunction with other active substances according to the invention, optionally also in conjunction with other pharmacologically active substances. Suitable preparations include for example tablets, capsules, suppositories, solutions, particularly solutions for injection (s.c., i.v., i.m.) and infusion, elixirs, emulsions or dispersible powders. The content of the pharmaceutically active compound(s) should be in the range from 0.1 to 90 wt. %, preferably 0.5 to 50 wt. % of the composition as a whole, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dosage range specified below. The specified doses may be taken several times a day, if necessary.

Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such as corn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delaying release, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number or layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinations thereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetener such as saccharine, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer, e.g. a flavouring such as vanillin or orange extract. They may also contain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products of fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates.

Solutions for injection and infusion are prepared in the usual way, e.g. with the addition of isotonic agents, preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, optionally using emulsifiers and/or dispersants, whilst if water is used as the diluent, for example, optionally organic solvents may optionally be used as solvating agents or dissolving aids, and transferred into injection vials or ampoules or infusion bottles.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

Excipients which may be used include, for example, water, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents such as paraffins (e.g. petroleum fractions), vegetable oils (e.g. groundnut or sesame oil), mono- or polyfunctional alcohols (e.g. ethanol or glycerol), carriers such as e.g. natural mineral powders (e.g. kaolins, clays, talc, chalk), synthetic mineral powders (e.g. highly dispersed silicic acid and silicates), sugars (e.g. cane sugar, lactose and glucose) emulsifiers (e.g. lignin, spent sulphite liquors, methylcellulose, starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone) and lubricants (e.g. magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid and sodium lauryl sulphate).

The preparations are administered by the usual methods, preferably by oral or transdermal route, preferably oral. For oral administration the tablets may, of course contain, apart from the above-mentioned carriers, additives such as sodium citrate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate together with various additives such as starch, preferably potato starch, gelatine and the like. Moreover, lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulphate and talc may be used at the same time for the tabletting process. In the case of aqueous suspensions the active substances may be combined with various flavour enhancers or colourings in addition to the excipients mentioned above.

For parenteral use, solutions of the active substances with suitable liquid carriers may be used.

The dosage for intravenous use is from 1-1000 mg per hour, preferably between 5 and 500 mg per hour.

However, it may sometimes be necessary to depart from the amounts specified, depending on the body weight, the route of administration, the individual response to the drug, the nature of its formulation and the time or interval over which the drug is administered. Thus, in some cases it may be sufficient to use less than the minimum dose given above, whereas in other cases the upper limit may have to be exceeded. When administering large amounts it may be advisable to divide them up into a number of smaller doses spread over the day.

The formulation Examples which follow illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope:

EXAMPLES OF PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS

A) Tablets per tablet active substance 100 mg lactose 140 mg corn starch 240 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 mg magnesium stearate 5 mg 500 mg

The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size. B) Tablets per tablet active substance 80 mg lactose 55 mg corn starch 190 mg microcrystalline cellulose 35 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 mg sodium-carboxymethyl starch 23 mg magnesium stearate 2 mg 400 mg

The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodiumcarboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size. C) Ampoule solution active substance 50 mg sodium chloride 50 mg water for inj. 5 ml

The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. The solution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and sealed by fusion. The ampoules contain 5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg of active substance. 

1. A compound of the formula

wherein R¹ denotes an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl group, R² denotes an optionally substituted heteroaryl or heterocyclyl group, where R² contains at least one nitrogen atom, R³ and R⁴ independently of one another denote a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted group selected from among C₁-C₅-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 7-membered alkylene bridge, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another denote a hydrogen atom or a group selected from among optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, C₆-C₁₀-aryl, heterocyclyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, —NR⁸—C₁-C₅-alkyl, —NR⁸-aryl, halogen, CN, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸CO-aryl, —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂-aryl, —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ and —OR⁸, while the above-mentioned alkyl groups may be substituted in each case, and R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein R² to R⁷ are defined as in claim 1, and R¹ denotes an optionally substituted phenyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein R¹ and R³ to R⁷ are defined as in claim 1, and R² denotes a group selected from among the optionally substituted groups of formulae:

while the above-mentioned groups may each be substituted by one or more groups R¹⁰ and R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CON H-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(-alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂, —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl, 1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, and wherein X denotes an oxygen atom or an —NR⁹— group and Y denotes an oxygen or sulphur atom, and R⁹ denotes a hydrogen atom or a group selected from among C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, while the groups mentioned for R⁹ hereinbefore may each be substituted by one of the groups mentioned for R¹⁰, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 1, wherein R³ and R⁴ independently of one another represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 5-membered alkylene bridge, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 2, wherein R³ and R⁴ independently of one another represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 5-membered alkylene bridge, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 3, wherein R³ and R⁴ independently of one another represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent a 2- to 5-membered alkylene bridge, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 7. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 1 wherein, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, halogen, CN, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ or —OR⁸ and R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 2, wherein, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, halogen, CN, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ or —OR⁸ and R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 3, wherein, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, halogen, CN, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ or —OR⁸ and R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 4, wherein, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, halogen, CN, —NR⁸CO—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —NR⁸SO₂—(C₁-C₅-alkyl), —CO₂R⁸, —SO₂R⁸, —CONHR⁸, —SO₂NHR⁸ or —OR⁸ and R⁸ denotes a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₅-alkyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. A compound of the formula I, according to claim 1, wherein, R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a halogen atom or a cyano or nitro group, R² denotes a group selected from among the optionally substituted groups of formulae

while the above-mentioned groups may each be substituted by one or more groups R¹⁰ and R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)CO-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂, —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1, 2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl, 1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, and wherein X denotes an oxygen atom or an —NR⁹— group and Y denotes an oxygen or sulphur atom, R³ and R⁴ independently of one another each denote a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another each denote a hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine atom or a cyano, methoxy, methanesulphonylamino, methanesulphonyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group, R⁹ denotes a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a cyano or nitro group, R² denotes a group selected from among the optionally substituted groups of general formulae (i)-(vi):

where R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine atom or by an amino, nitro, hydroxy or methoxy group and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (vi) may each be substituted by one or two groups R¹⁰ and R¹⁰ denotes OH, NO₂, CN, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, —NH₂, —NH-alkyl, —N(alkyl)-alkyl, —NH-aryl, —N(alkyl)-aryl, —NHCO-alkyl, —NHCO₂-alkyl, —NHCO-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-CO-aryl, —NHSO₂-alkyl, —NHSO₂-aryl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —N(-alkyl)-SO₂-aryl, —CO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-alkyl, —SO₂-aryl, —CONH-alkyl, —CONH-aryl, —CON(alkyl)-alkyl, —CON(-alkyl)-aryl, —SO₂NH-alkyl, —SO₂NH-aryl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-alkyl, —SO₂N(-alkyl)-aryl, —O-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₃-alkyl), —COOH, —CONH₂, —CON(-alkyl)-SO₂-alkyl, —CONHSO₂-alkyl, —CONHOH, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-1,2,4,5-oxathiadiazol-4-yl, 1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl, tetrazolyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, R³ and R⁴ independently of one another denote a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge and R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ represent a hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine atom or a cyano, methoxy, methanesulphonylamino, methanesulphonyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 12, wherein R¹ denotes a phenyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or by a cyano or nitro group, R² denotes a group selected from among the groups of formulae (i)-(vi):

where R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine atom or by an amino, nitro, hydroxy or methoxy group, and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (vi) may each be substituted by one or two groups R¹⁰ and R¹⁰ denotes OH, —NO₂, —CN, —NH₂, —I, —N(CH₃)₂, —NHCO₂CH₃, —NHSO₂CH₃, C₁-C₃-alkyl, —SO₂N(CH₃)₂, —CO₂H, benzyloxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, —CONHOH, tetrazol-5-yl, pyridinyl, methoxy-pyridinyl, phenyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, fluorine, methoxy, amino, nitro, dimethylamino, methylcarbonylamino, methylsulphonylamino, dimethylamino-sulphonylamino, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxy-carbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or tetrazol-5-yl, or thiophenyl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl or 1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl, R³ and R⁴ each denote a methyl or ethyl group or R³ and R⁴ together represent an ethylene bridge and R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ each denote a hydrogen atom, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 13, wherein R¹ denotes a phenyl group, R² denotes a group selected from among the groups of formulae (i)-(iii) or (v):

where R⁹ denotes a phenyl or pyridyl group optionally substituted by a fluorine atom or by an amino, nitro, hydroxy or methoxy group, and the above-mentioned groups (i) to (iii) and (v) may each be substituted by a group R¹⁰ and R¹⁰ denotes an iodine atom or a nitro, amino, methyl, carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, pyridin-4-yl, pyridin-2-yl, 6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl, 3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl, 1-acetyl-2-amino-propen-1-yl or a phenyl group, while the phenyl group may be substituted by a fluorine atom or by a hydroxy, methoxy, nitro, amino, dimethylamino, methylcarbonylamino, methylsulphonylamino, dimethylamino-sulphonylamino, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxy-carbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or tetrazol-5-yl group, R³ and R⁴ each denote a methyl group and R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ each denote a hydrogen atom, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 15. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 14, wherein R¹ denotes a phenyl group, R² denotes a group of formulae (Ia) or (v):

while the above-mentioned group (i) may be substituted in the phenyl moiety by a fluorine atom or by a hydroxy, methoxy, nitro, amino, dimethylamino, methylcarbonylamino, methylsulphonylamino, dimethyl-amino-sulphonylamino, carboxy, ethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyaminocarbonyl or tetrazol-5-yl group and the above-mentioned group (v) may be substituted in the benzyl moiety by a nitro, amino, carboxy or C₁₋₂-alkyloxy-carbonyl group, R³ and R⁴ each denote a methyl group and R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ each denote a hydrogen atom, or a tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. A compound selected from the group consisting of: N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-phenyl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-phthalazin-2-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-phenyl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-amino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methanesulphonylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{1-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-iodo-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, methyl 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-N,N-dimethyl-sulphamoylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-oxo-3-pyridin-2-yl-imidazolidin-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-4-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, benzyl 4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate, 4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoic acid, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-acetamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(3,5-dimethyl-isoxazol-4-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(6-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[4-(5-methyl-thiophen-2-yl)-imidazol-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(5-nitro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1.2.3]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-thiophen-2-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, ethyl 4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-benzoate, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{1,1-dimethyl-3-[3-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(1-hydroxy-2-{3-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[3-(4-amino-phenyl)-2-oxo-imidazolidin-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-[3-(2-{3-[4-(1-acetyl-2-amino-propenyl)-imidazol-1-yl]-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulphonamide, N-(3-{2-[3-(5-amino-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-phenyl)-benzenesulphonamide, 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl 1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylate, N-{3-[2-(1,1-dimethyl-3-{4-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenyl]-imidazol-1-yl}-propylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl]-phenyl}-benzenesulphonamide, and 4-(1-{3-[2-(3-benzenesulphonylamino-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethylamino]-3-methyl-butyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N-hydroxy-benzamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. The (R)-enantiomer of a compound according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the formula I according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
 19. A method for treating a disease in which stimulation of beta-3-receptors is implicated which method comprises administering to a host in need of such treatment a compound of the formula I according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition containing as active substance a compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more active substances selected from the group consisting of antidiabetics, inhibitors of protein tyrosinephosphatase 1, substances which influence deregulated glucose production in the liver, lipid lowering agents, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, HDL-raising compounds, active substances for the treatment of obesity and modulators or stimulators of the adrenergic system via alpha 1 and alpha 2 as well as beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 receptors. 